02/02/2023

Dr. Amine Iskandar: Hezbollah uses Machiavellian propaganda tactics to silence opponents

BEIRUT — Against the backdrop of the interrogation of head of the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP), head of the Christian Front Ibrahim Mrad by the Lebanese judiciary, head of the Tur Levnon association Dr. Amine Jules Iskandar sought to reveal the Machiavellian strategy used being employed by Iranian-backed Hezbollah against its political opponents.

Iskandar posted a message on his Facebook and Twitter pages explaining Hezbollah’s strategy. According to him, they first create propaganda through fabrication of false information to demonize and isolate the target person. Then, they use their power within the state and the judiciary to bring the individual to court. By having control over the state and its institutions, including the judiciary, Hezbollah is able to use them to suppress and silence any opposition.

“First, they start with propaganda to successfully convince the public, particularly the Christian community,” says Iskandar. “They isolate the individual, then bring them to the court. They control the state and its institutions, using them against any form of resistance.”

To illustrate his point, Iskandar included a video clip from Al-Ahbar TV channel, which has close ties to Hezbollah, in his social media post. The clip serves as an example of the propaganda strategy used against political opponents.

The video portrays the supposed policies of the Lebanese Forces party, led by Samir Geagea, and allies such as the Universal Syriac Union Party, suggesting that they are inciting a civil war between Christians and Shiites in Lebanon. However, the video clip is edited and distorted to create negative public sentiment against anyone who opposes Hezbollah and their control over Lebanon.